Saudi Arabia signals to Israel via new defense pact with Somalia

Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation on Feb. 9, 2026, on the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, formalizing expanded defense ties as Mogadishu confronts rising regional pressure linked to Somaliland.

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said the agreement was signed by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman during the opening days of World Defense Show 2026. The ministry stated that the pact is aimed at strengthening defense and military cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

According to the Somali side, the agreement covers cooperation in training, technical assistance, and defense support, as Somalia seeks to improve the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces and protect its airspace and territorial integrity.

The signing comes as political tensions around Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland draw renewed attention. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has publicly criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as “interference” that increases instability and weakens international order. Mogadishu considers Somaliland an inseparable part of Somalia.

Somali officials have linked the urgency of new defense partnerships to shifting regional dynamics, including diplomatic moves related to Somaliland and broader Red Sea security concerns. The Saudi-Somali agreement was presented by Mogadishu as part of a wider effort to consolidate support from regional allies that recognize Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

The pact follows Somalia’s recent decision to terminate defense and security agreements with the United Arab Emirates, while maintaining and expanding cooperation with other partners. Somalia has also signed a separate defense agreement with Qatar, aimed at improving training and operational capacity within the Somali armed forces.

The timing and visibility of the agreement with Somalia were viewed in Mogadishu as a clear political and security signal. Somali officials framed the pact as evidence of Riyadh’s support for Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.

Saudi Arabia remains a central security actor in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region, where maritime routes, airspace control, and regional stability are closely linked. Cooperation with Somalia places Riyadh directly alongside Mogadishu at a time when sovereignty disputes and external involvement are under increased scrutiny.

The memorandum signed in Riyadh does not constitute a mutual defense treaty, but Somali officials described it as a framework for deeper military engagement. Further implementation steps are expected to be defined through follow-on arrangements between the two defense ministries.